St. Louis weather puts every home exterior to the test. From intense summer sun to freezing winters and year-round humidity, these conditions can wear down even the most durable materials. Homeowners often ask how well fiber cement siding holds up over time, especially when it comes to color. Fading, chipping, and uneven wear are real concerns in this climate. James Hardie ColorPlus is engineered to resist UV damage, cracking, and color loss. In our experience, James Hardie ColorPlus resists fading better than any field-painted siding we’ve installed.
Here’s what makes it so effective and why it performs reliably in St. Louis.
How the Factory-Finished System Prevents Fading
Multi-Coat, Baked-On Finish
ColorPlus Technology is more than just a basic paint application. It uses a multi-step process in a controlled factory environment. Each plank receives multiple coats of color, and every layer is baked on to form a strong, consistent bond. This baked-on finish does not simply sit on the surface. It integrates with the material, making it much more resistant to peeling, cracking, and chipping than traditional brush-and-roller methods applied on-site.
For homeowners, this means the color will stay vibrant through seasons of sun and storms. You also will not need to worry about early touch-ups or frequent repainting.
UV-Resistant Color Formulation
St. Louis summers bring strong sunlight, and UV rays are one of the leading causes of fading on home exteriors. The pigments in James Hardie ColorPlus siding are specially formulated to block UV radiation. This protection is built into the finish, allowing the siding to retain its color and vibrancy over time, even with regular sun exposure.
When we install ColorPlus siding, we are confident in telling customers that their color will remain rich and consistent for years rather than just a few seasons.
Why the Manufacturing Process Makes All the Difference
Applied Indoors for a Controlled, Consistent Finish
James Hardie ColorPlus resists fading because the finish is not applied on the jobsite. Wind, humidity, and dust often interfere with on-site painting and may cause poor adhesion or uneven coverage. ColorPlus siding is finished in a factory, where the environment stays consistent and controlled.
Each board arrives with a smooth, even coat and uniform color. This also helps speed up installation since painting delays due to weather are no longer a concern.
Warranty Coverage That Backs It All Up
James Hardie includes a 15-year limited warranty on its ColorPlus finish. This covers peeling, cracking, and chipping, issues that often signal deeper problems with other siding brands or painting methods. As contractors, we appreciate having this kind of warranty to point to. It shows that the manufacturer stands behind the product, and it gives our customers peace of mind about their investment.
How James Hardie ColorPlus Resists Fading Better Than Traditional Paint
Longer-Lasting Color, Less Maintenance
Traditional paint begins to fade after only a few years, especially in areas with direct sun exposure. Many homeowners find themselves repainting sooner than expected or dealing with a patchy exterior that reduces curb appeal. ColorPlus Technology is designed to provide longer-lasting color, which helps lower both maintenance needs and long-term costs.
Several of our customers have contacted us years after installation to share how pleased they are that their siding still looks clean and vibrant.
Uniform Appearance Across All Siding
We’ve all seen homes with obvious color mismatches where touch-ups or replacements were needed. That doesn’t happen with ColorPlus. Because the finish is applied consistently at the factory, every plank looks the same. If you need to replace a damaged board later, it blends in far better than hand-painted siding would.
For homeowners in neighborhoods with strict HOA standards or for those preparing a home for sale, this consistency really matters.
Ready to Protect Your Home’s Exterior Investment?
At Hawthorn Home Exteriors, we’ve installed James Hardie siding across the St. Louis area, and we’ve seen firsthand how ColorPlus Technology performs in our climate. The color stays vibrant, the finish holds strong, and the maintenance needs stay low.
If you’re considering new siding and want something that looks good for the long haul, let’s talk. We offer free consultations and can walk you through your options, no pressure, just honest guidance.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see why James Hardie ColorPlus is the smart choice for your St. Louis home.
